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    California, USA · Powder Alliance

    Dodge Ridge

    862 acres, 67 runs, 487m vertical. Central Sierra day-trip resort 3 hours from Bay Area. Powder Alliance.

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    Live Dodge Ridge conditions, webcams & maps. Opens straight here.

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    Open in the app

    Live Dodge Ridge conditions, webcams & maps. Opens straight here.

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    Season 2026 - 2027
    Opens
    27 Dec 2026
    Closes
    15 Mar 2027
    Days open
    78
    Annual snow
    350in
    Snow record
    0in
    2026-27 so far
    0% of a typical winter172in
    Explore 2 winters of snowfall→
    The Overview
    MF
    Michael Fulton
    Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

    Dodge Ridge operates across 862 acres in California's Central Sierra Nevada with 67 runs split evenly between intermediate and advanced terrain. The resort spans 487 vertical metres from a 2,012-metre base to an 8,200-foot summit, with 20 per cent beginner, 40 per cent intermediate and 40 per cent advanced terrain. Average annual snowfall exceeds 8.9 metres, though the relatively low base elevation means reliance on natural snowfall rather than extensive snowmaking. The 2025-26 season ran from 27 December to 15 March, covering approximately 11 weeks of operation.

    Terrain is divided into three zones: the frontside served by Chairs 1 through 6, the Prospector zone accessed by Chair 7, and the backside Boulder Creek Canyon zone reached via Chair 8 and a T-bar. Granite Bowl off Chair 8 contains the most challenging terrain with steep pitches and boulder fields. Stagecoach, the resort's longest run, stretches 3.2 kilometres from summit to base. Trail ratings skew forgiving, with many black runs comparable to blue terrain at larger resorts.

    The atmosphere centres on accessible family skiing rather than après or village amenities. The Helm Family Lodge anchors base facilities with ticket services, rentals and dining at the Creekside Cafe and Bistro. The Waystation mid-mountain lodge at 2,134 metres provides a stopping point along the Prospector zone. Lift queues remain minimal outside holiday periods, and grooming operations typically prepare 50 to 60 runs daily during good snow years.

    Dodge Ridge participates in the Powder Alliance, offering three free days to pass holders from 22 reciprocal resorts, and accepts Indy Pass for two days. The Cali Pass grants unlimited access here plus Bear Valley, China Peak and Mountain High. Located 48 kilometres east of Sonora on Highway 108, it serves as the closest ski area to the San Francisco Bay Area and Central Valley. The resort suits beginners through intermediate skiers seeking uncrowded slopes and value pricing.

    1,598ft
    Vertical
    67
    Runs
    862 acres
    Skiable
    350in
    Annual snow
    Powder Alliance
    Pass
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    The Terrain

    67 runs across 862 acres skiable

    Dodge Ridge spreads over 862 acres (349 hectares) on the Highway 108 side of the Sierra Nevada, falling 1,600 ft (487 m) from an 8,200 ft (2,499 m) summit to a 6,600 ft (2,012 m) base. Its 67 runs divide 20% beginner, 40% intermediate and 40% advanced, with no expert category, so the black diamonds are modest by Tahoe standards. Terrain is organised around numbered chairlifts: Chairs 1 to 6 serve the front side, Chair 7 the Prospector zone, and Chair 8 and a T-bar the Boulder Creek Canyon backside.

    Terrain falls into three zones. Granite Bowl, off Chair 8, is the steepest ground, with steep pitches and boulder fields. A T-bar installed in 2011 opened Second Summit terrain above Granite Bowl, doubling the length of three of the steeper runs. Stagecoach and Separator run below the base of Chair 7, so lapping them takes a two-lift ride. The Prospector zone off Chair 7 and the backside off Chair 8 both reach summit terrain, with the most consistent vertical drop of about 1,100 ft. Dodge Ridge suits family groups, intermediates building confidence and advanced skiers looking for a day without big-resort logistics.

    Terrain split
    67
    runs
    67 runs across 4 grades
    Beginner13 runs · 20%
    Intermediate27 runs · 40%
    Advanced27 runs · 40%
    Expert0 runs · 0%
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    Time it right

    When to visit Dodge Ridge

    The 2025-26 season operated from 27 December through 15 March, closing early due to unseasonably warm conditions. Typical seasons run mid-December through late March depending on snowfall, with opening dates historically ranging from late October in exceptional years to mid-February during drought conditions. The resort recorded 436 centimetres of total snowfall during the 2025-26 season. Low elevation and minimal snowmaking mean operational dates vary significantly year to year.

    Annual snowfall averages 8.9 metres, with the summit at 2,499 metres and base at 2,012 metres both sitting below elevations where Sierra Nevada snowfall typically becomes reliable. Rain events affect all elevations during marginal temperature periods. The 2022-23 season delivered over 700 inches of snowfall, whilst the 2010-11 season recorded 643 inches. By contrast, the 2013-14 drought year prevented opening until 12 February. Peak snowfall historically occurs during the first week of March, averaging 66 centimetres.

    January through February offers the most reliable snow coverage and coldest temperatures. Spring conditions develop by mid-March with freeze-thaw cycles. Midweek visits remain uncrowded even during peak season, with Saturdays and holidays seeing the only significant lift queues on Chairs 3, 7 and 8. Granite Bowl requires substantial base depth to open, typically becoming accessible mid-season. Grooming crews prepare the majority of trails nightly when snow conditions permit.

    The resort hosted terrain park events including Boxzilla, which lines up every box feature in a 30-metre sequence, and banked slalom competitions. Five terrain parks range from beginner progression features through advanced options. Tubing and sledding operations run weekends at the base area. Night skiing infrastructure exists but scheduling varies by season. No major festivals or concert series anchor the calendar.

    Season 2026 - 2027
    27 Dec 2026
    Opens
    15 Mar 2027
    Closes
    78
    Days open
    350 in
    Annual snow
    The record

    Historical snowfall at Dodge Ridge

    Daily snow reports at Dodge Ridge go back to 2025, 2 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.

    35 in
    Snowiest day
    18 Feb 2026
    0 in
    This winter · 2026-27
    so far
    172 in
    Typical winter
    average of complete seasons
    Explore historical snowfall →
    Winter totals
    in
    Past wintersThis winter
    Getting there

    Getting to Dodge Ridge, and where to stay

    Dodge Ridge sits in the Stanislaus National Forest in Tuolumne County at an elevation of 2,012 metres, positioned between Lake Tahoe 80 kilometres north and Yosemite National Park 58 kilometres south. The resort operates under U.S. Forest Service special use permit on 862 acres of public land. Pinecrest Lake and the unincorporated community of Pinecrest lie 7 kilometres west. The surrounding terrain consists of pine forest and granite outcroppings typical of the Central Sierra Nevada.

    Sonora, the nearest full-service town with 5,000 residents, sits 48 kilometres west via Highway 108. Sonora provides supermarkets, petrol stations, hotels and the closest major services. Strawberry, a tiny hamlet 7 kilometres from the resort, offers limited lodging and dining. Pinecrest provides cabin rentals, a small commercial district and the Pinecrest Campground operated by the Forest Service. No slopeside lodging exists at Dodge Ridge itself, though overnight RV parking operates in the upper carpark for a fee with a four-night maximum stay.

    Highway 108 provides sole access from the west, as the road closes for winter 13 kilometres east of the resort at the Highway 108 Sno-Park. The route from Sonora takes 50 minutes in good weather. From Sacramento, the drive covers 208 kilometres via Highway 99 and Highway 108, requiring approximately three hours. The San Francisco Bay Area lies roughly 240 kilometres west, making this the closest ski area to most Bay Area population centres. Traffic on Highway 108 remains light compared to Interstate 80 routes to Lake Tahoe.

    Sacramento International Airport sits 208 kilometres northwest, serving as the primary gateway with major airline connections. San Francisco International Airport lies 275 kilometres west. Fresno Yosemite International Airport sits 160 kilometres south. Modesto, 130 kilometres west, offers limited commercial flights. No public transit or scheduled shuttle services connect airports to the resort. Rental car remains the standard transfer method, with chains required during winter storms.

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    Latest News

    From the SnowStash desk

    View all news →
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    Mt Rose Aims to Open First in Tahoe on November 6

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    4 Nov 2026
    Europe Snow Forecast: Serre Chevalier Leads With 82 cm Over the Next 10 Days

    Europe Snow Forecast: Serre Chevalier Leads With 82 cm Over the Next 10 Days

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    4 Nov 2026
    Mammoth Mountain Opens Early on November 5 With Up to 33 Inches of Snow in the Forecast

    Mammoth Mountain Opens Early on November 5 With Up to 33 Inches of Snow in the Forecast

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    3 Nov 2026
    Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings

    Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings

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    1 Nov 2026
    Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches

    Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches

    Halloween weekend brings a wet, windy storm to the Sierra Nevada. Our five-day forecast has Dodge Ridge on top with 19 in, followed by Bear Valley at 15 in and Mammoth Mountain at 12 in, with most of it landing on Saturday. A winter weather advisory covers the Tahoe Basin and Mono County until 7 AM Sunday, gusts could reach 47 mph and the freezing level swings between 4,900 and 8,700 ft, so some bases will see rain. A dry spell follows from Monday.

    31 Oct 2026
    Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street

    Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street

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    31 Oct 2026
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    30 Oct 2026
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    What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass

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    30 Oct 2026

    Dodge Ridge Webcams

    3 live angles across the mountain. Tap any camera to go full-screen.

    Watch on the go

    Jump straight to Dodge Ridge's live webcams in the app.

    Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

    Watch on the go

    Jump straight to Dodge Ridge's live webcams in the app.

    Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play
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    About Dodge Ridge's live webcams

    Check live conditions across Dodge Ridge with 3 real-time webcams showing snow, weather, and lift operations, updated every 10 minutes. Check high-elevation cams for powder visibility and base-area cams for crowd levels before you head up.

    Camera guide

    Dodge Ridge Summit8,301ft
    Experience commanding summit views through this Dodge Ridge live cam stationed at the resort's highest accessible point at 2530 meters elevation. This strategic Dodge Ridge web cam captures panoramic vistas across the resort's diverse terrain and surrounding peaks. Essential for assessing upper mountain visibility and snow conditions, this live cam showcases the spectacular alpine environment that defines this family-friendly resort.
    Waystation Lodge7,402ft
    Capture mid-mountain activity through this Dodge Ridge webcam positioned at the popular Waystation Lodge at 2256 meters elevation. This live snow cam provides perfect visibility of intermediate terrain and the mountain's central hub where skiers gather throughout the day. The Dodge Ridge live cam shows current conditions at this convenient meeting spot, ideal for coordinating with friends and family on the mountain.
    Dodge Ridge Base6,499ft
    Monitor current conditions at Dodge Ridge ski resort through this essential live cam positioned at the base area at 1981 meters elevation. This Dodge Ridge webcam provides real-time views of lift operations, guest arrivals, and snow quality throughout the day. Perfect for checking crowd levels and weather before your Sierra Nevada adventure, this live snow cam helps families plan their visit to this accessible California destination.

    Dodge Ridge snow cams FAQ

    How often do Dodge Ridge snow cams update?+
    All Dodge Ridge snow cams and webcams update every 10 minutes with fresh images showing current mountain conditions. This frequent update schedule ensures you have access to near real-time conditions for planning your ski day at Dodge Ridge.
    Which Dodge Ridge webcam shows the best powder conditions?+
    The high-elevation Dodge Ridge Summit webcam at 2,530m provides the clearest view of powder conditions and snowfall. These Dodge Ridge webcams capture fresh snow accumulation and visibility better than base area cameras.
    Can I see Dodge Ridge lift queues on the webcams?+
    Yes. Multiple Dodge Ridge snow cams specifically show lift queue areas and chairlift operations, helping you time your arrival and avoid peak queue periods.
    When is the best time to check Dodge Ridge snow cams?+
    Check Dodge Ridge webcams early morning (7-8am) for overnight snowfall assessment, and mid-afternoon for current crowd levels and weather. The live cams are most useful after storm events to assess fresh powder.
    How can I check current conditions before buying Dodge Ridge lift tickets?+
    Use our Dodge Ridge webcams alongside the live snow report to assess conditions before purchasing lift tickets. The webcams show real-time visibility, snow quality, and operational status.
    Do Dodge Ridge webcams work on mobile devices?+
    Yes. All Dodge Ridge snow cams and webcams are optimized for mobile viewing, so you can check live conditions from anywhere using your phone or tablet.

    More Dodge Ridge intelligence: snow report, lift tickets, trail map, resort overview.

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